Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) has faced backlash for his sharp criticism of Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) over his comments during the Senate’s mammoth megabill vote-a-rama. In an interview with The Bulwark, Boyle slammed Fetterman for his remarks about missing his family’s entire beach trip, calling the senator’s comments ‘damned lucky and privileged to be here’ and advising lawmakers who did not want to be there to ‘leave.’
Boyle, who is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, underscored the gravity of the vote, explaining to his young daughter that this week’s events could determine whether millions of Americans retain their health care coverage. ‘She’s only 11, she got that,’ he said, illustrating the importance of the vote from a personal and national perspective.
The Senate passed the historic package of bills on Tuesday afternoon after an all-night session during which lawmakers faced a torrent of amendments and votes. The marathon session saw the Senate floor become a battleground for ideological debates, with Vice President JD Vance ultimately casting the tie-breaking vote to secure the bill’s passage. Fetterman, who initially announced he would vote no, expressed his frustration with the process, telling reporters on Monday that he was exhausted and wanted to go home, as it became clear the bill was going to pass.
This moment has intensified the divide within the Democratic Party, with some members accusing Fetterman of being out of step with the party’s priorities. His decision to vote against a significant piece of legislation has drawn increasing criticism, with colleagues questioning his commitment to the Democratic cause. Boyle, however, has defended Fetterman’s position, arguing that the senator’s comments reflect a genuine concern for the well-being of both his family and the American people, especially in the context of the healthcare and economic implications of the bill.
While Fetterman has faced scrutiny for his dissent, he has also drawn attention for his perceived willingness to engage with conservative lawmakers, particularly after President Donald Trump praised him as ‘the most sensible’ Democratic senator. This dynamic highlights the growing internal tensions within the Democratic Party over how to balance ideological principles with pragmatic decision-making in the face of complex legislative challenges.